Getting Started
This section should help you get started as quickly as possible. First take a look at the system overview. Then check that you have the required hardware and software. Next, run through the tutorial on programming your WISP. Finally, there's a quick tutorial on using the reader.
RFID Reader, Antenna
Required Software and How to Obtain It
A Git client. You'll need this to get the WISP firmware and reader application software.
Git instructions are listed on the Getting Firmware Instructions Page
Current WISP firmware. The current WISP firmware status is on the WISP firmware page.
A compiler/debugger to compile and install firmware on the WISP. We use IAR.
IAR Embedded Workbench
A free 'kickstart' edition (4KB max) is available from TI at http://focus.ti.com/docs/toolsw/folders/print/iar-kickstart.html.
The full version is 80% off: http://focus.ti.com/mcu/docs/mcugeneralcontent.tsp?sectionId=99&tabId=1518#discount
TI Code Composer (Eclipse-based)
A free edition (16KB maximum) is available at http://focus.ti.com/docs/toolsw/folders/print/msp-cce430.html
We are having some issues with the project options - they need to be specified as a command line directive
GCC Compiler
This should work (used for TinyOS MSP430), but we don't know much about this route.
WISP C# GUI App. Go to the Reader Application page and follow the directions to get the latest version.
GUI App Microsoft Dependency Options:
Option A: Download Runtime Libraries .NET 2.0 Libraries
Get Visual Studio 2005
Express Edition could be free, however this route is untested. http://www.microsoft.com/express/2005/
I can confirm the GUI app works with MS Visual C# 2005 Express - jvoris
Visual Studio is free for Universities: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/academic/default.aspx
Buy 2008 (~$250) Amazon
LLRP DLL
Should be embedded in the GUI App project
Latest version available here: http://www.llrp.org/tools.html
Suggested Tools For Developers
WISP Monitor (pending release)
Power Supply, Oscilloscope, Signal Generator
Soldering Tools
ITW Chemtronics / Circuitworks Flux Dispensing Pen CW8400, Digikey CW8400
ITW Chemtronics Chem-Wik Solder Braid Size 0.030, Digikey CW2-5-ND CW2-25-ND 2-100L-ND (different lengths)
Tweezers
Wiha Fine Point Tweezers, Digikey 431-1022
Wire Strippers
Paladin Datashark Wire Stripper/Cutter 30-20AWG, Digikey PAL70057
They have a nicer model for $15 - as anyone tried them? Digikey PAL1118-ND
Cutters
Cooper Industries/Xcelite 170M, Digikey 170M-ND
28 Gauge Wire
OK Industries R28* Wire Wrap, Digikey K326, K390, K391, K392, K393